Health and Wellness

Entrepreneurship is the relentless pursuit of opportunity

Purya Sarmadi is a healthcare professional with an accomplished background in healthcare technology. He is a health informatics and analytics professional that has become an entrepreneur. Purya is Co-Founder & CEO at MedMe Health where they are building the operating system for the pharmacies of the future, shifting today’s dispensaries to tomorrow’s community healthcare hubs. Pharmacies are in the community. 95% of North Americans live within 5 miles of a pharmacy. Primary care is in a crisis and chronic diseases are increasing. And so that’s kind of why they started Medme. And today they are already Canada’s leading clinical services platform for pharmacies.


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Owner Organization: Self Reconnection Therapeutics

Naomi Kunert, Founder of the Self Reconnection Method, is an accomplished and renowned transpersonal therapist and spiritual guide with over 25 years of experience in successfully empowering her clients to overcome physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual trauma.

The Self-Reconnection Method is an integrative healing system, that activates a person’s inner healing mechanism, allowing for reconnection on all levels of self, enabling people to recover from chronic states of stress, disease & disconnection.

Her approach unites practical and proven methods in the field of neuroscience with principles of quantum physics, blending with it the natural laws of healing practiced and preserved by Earth’s oldest ancestral cultures; a complementing synthesis of the ancient and modern integrative ways of healing.

Naomi has a practice on Vancouver Island, Canada, and facilitates workshops internationally and presents at clinicians’ seminars. She offers online or in-person one-to-one sessions and Self Reconnection Method workshops and classes.


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Les bénéfices de la méditation, entreprendre différemment!

Marie-Ève Lécine, c.o. organisationnel, MBA dédie sa carrière à améliorer la santé psychologique des organisations. Avec plus de 18 ans d’expérience en recherche universitaire et en enseignement sur le stress au travail, une maîtrise en management, une autre en counseling et une troisième en méditation (en cours), elle possède une excellente vision des besoins des organisations et de leurs acteurs.

Elle a créé en 2014 : Let It Be Méditation, une école de formation et de coaching d’affaires entourant la pleine conscience et leadership conscient.

Marie-Ève est l’autrice du livre : Entreprendre en conscience et co-autrice de trois guides sur la santé mentale au travail, centré sur la conciliation travail-vie personnelle.

Depuis sa création, Let It Be Méditation a formé plus de 1 000 personnes en méditation à travers des formations et des conférences au Canada et en France et plus de 350 professeurs à travers le monde, qui dispensent leurs enseignements dans toute sorte de milieux. Let It Be Méditation est aussi une certification en méditation.


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Unconventional Lessons for Becoming an Unstoppable Entrepreneur

Mike Fata co-founded Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods in 1998. From 1998 to 2016, he ran all aspects of the company as Chairman of the Board and CEO. In February 2019 Mike helped guide the strategic sale of Manitoba Harvest to Tilray for $419 million dollars.

Mike has dedicated over 25 years studying and practicing natural health, starting in 1995 when he made the life changing decision to lose over 100lbs, and go from 300lbs to his current 180Lbs. He has gained an excellent knowledge of human anatomy, diet, nutrition and natural health lifestyle. Mike is a best-selling author, a keynote speaker, and has been featured on various media countless times regarding natural health, nutrition, hemp foods, organic agriculture, sustainable business, entrepreneurship and mentorship.

Mike has won numerous awards;

  • Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2004)
  • Socially Responsible Business Award (2006)
  • The Lorax Award (2006)
  • Top 40 under 40 (2008)
  • Company of the Year (2010)
  • CHFA Organic Achievement Award (2010)
  • Spirit of Winnipeg Award (2014)
  • Nutrition Business Journal Education Award (2014)
  • CME Emerging Business Award (2014)
  • EY Entrepreneur of the Year (2014)
  • MFPA Presidents Award (2016)
  • OTA Organic Rising Star Award (2016)
  • Top 100 Health Influencers (2017)
  • John Holtmann Leadership Award (2021)

In February of 2022, as Chairman of the Board Mike completed his third nine figure exit deal with the acquisition of Sol Cuisine by Plant Plus Foods for $125mm cash.

Mike is currently Chief Executive Officer of Fata & Associates, Chairman of the Board of Nuts For Cheese, Global Growth Advisor for Mid-Day Squares, Lifetime Member (Past Chairman) of the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA), Lifetime Member (Past Chairman) of Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and investor/advisor to a portfolio of companies.

Mike is a homeschooling father, certified holistic health coach and avid backyard organic farmer. In his free time he enjoys coaching and mentoring natural products industry entrepreneurs. In 2021 Mike launched www.fatafleishman.org a free mass mentorship toolbox for CPG entrepreneurs.

Mike hosts the Founder to Mentor podcast (a top 5% global podcast), connecting you with world class founders to inspire your personal and professional growth. https://www.mikefata.ca/podcast.

Mike’s best-selling book Grow: 12 Unconventional Lessons for Becoming an Unstoppable Entrepreneur released in March 2023.


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Never listen to the naysayers

Aura Ziv is a fun loving fitness instructor nutritionist, health coach and founder of Eat Good Feel Good Fitness. She focuses on making her clients feel good and creating health food products that are good for you and taste amazing at the same time.


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The crucial element of entrepreneurial success – an unyielding passion for one’s chosen venture

Moufeed Kaddoura has a diverse work experience spanning different industries and roles. In 2012, they worked as a Laboratory Assistant at the University of Waterloo, managing a project and gaining valuable skills in time management, planning, and project management. In 2013, they served as a Laboratory Analyst at SGS. In 2014, they were the CEO and Founder of Kenota Health, where they raised $16M and assembled a skilled management team. In the same year, they also worked as a Velocity Science Coach at the University of Waterloo, mentoring science startups and aspiring entrepreneurs. Additionally, they were a Residence Life Don, responsible for creating a safe and supportive environment for students. Overall, Moufeed Kaddoura has demonstrated their leadership, entrepreneurial, and scientific skills throughout their work experience.
In the course of the interview, the conversation delved into the entrepreneurial insights of Moufeed Kaddoura. The emphasis was on a crucial element of entrepreneurial success – an unyielding passion for one’s chosen venture. Throughout the discussion, Moufeed underscored the importance of finding a passion that consumes one’s thoughts and actions, highlighting the pivotal role that genuine love for the chosen path plays in sustaining long-term commitment.
Moufeed Kaddoura has a diverse education history. In 2016, they attended Y Combinator and pursued Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies, completing the S16 program. Before that, they studied at the University of Waterloo from 2010 to 2015, obtaining a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Unfortunately, their field of study during their undergraduate years is not specified. Additionally, in November 2012, Moufeed Kaddoura obtained a certification in CPR Level A + AED. Further details about the institution providing this certification are not available.
Moufeed articulately expressed a deep connection between personal passion and its broader societal impact, contending that the true brilliance of scientific achievements lies in their tangible benefits to people. As Moufeed’s entrepreneurial journey unfolded, they shared insights into their pivotal role in establishing a health company, emphasizing the mission to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and practical application in healthcare settings.

Ultimately, Moufeed’s entrepreneurial narrative revolves around an unwavering commitment to bringing science and innovation to the forefront of clinical practice, all driven by a profound love for the meaningful work they engage in.


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When is an intrapreneur an entrepreneur?

With a 10x growth from 40-400 franchises in the past decade Cathy Thorpe CEO of NurseNextDoor is a classic example of a founder bringing in a driven entrepreneur to build a business. Cathy Thorpe brings over two decades of leadership experience in the retail industry to Nurse Next Door. Cathy joined the company in 2014 with the mission of growing the business across North America. Cathy has achieved her goal by pushing boundaries to deliver measurable results and by disrupting the home care space. Cathy has been recognized for delivering strong results in the business community across North America. Nurse Next Door was awarded Canada’s most admired corporate culture by Waterstone in 2018 and was ranked #50 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list for 2018.


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Former Speech Therapist Revolutionizes Children’s Book Publishing with AI: Meet the CEO Changing the Game!

Karen Richard is a recovering pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist, kid-lit lover with a nerdy heart, and the CEO and co-founder of Made Live. Based out of Vernon, BC, Made Live is an AI-assisted end-to-end children’s book publishing platform dedicated to simplifying the publishing process for aspiring authors. Transitioning from a career in speech-language pathology, where books were pivotal tools for developing language skills, Karen ventured into writing and self-publishing her own work. Confronted with the complexities, inefficiencies, and gatekeeping prevalent in the industry, she was inspired to forge a new path and the creation of Made Live.


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Turning your passion into your path with Andrea McKay

As the Founder of b, halfmoon —— Andrea McKay’s mission is simple: to inspire and support people everywhere in living their truths and supporting their wellness journeys.

Andrea’s passion for yoga began in Sydney, Australia, while she was completing a Master’s Degree in International Business. She knew she would someday make yoga her career, but she wasn’t sure what that would look like. Fast-forward 13 years and Morris found herself employed at The Stewart Group, her family’s fifth-generation manufacturing and technology company. She was working with an innovative type of rubber and quickly realized that the material’s distinctive qualities—durability, sustainability, and a grippy surface— could make the perfect yoga mat.

After endlessly prototyping and fine-tuning The B MAT, B Yoga was born in 2014. Sparked by The B MAT’s success, B Yoga continued to grow beyond just mats, creating elevated, performance-driven essentials for all kinds of movement and meditation.

In spring 2018, Andrea and B Yoga acquired Halfmoon Yoga Products, another female-founded, Canadian yoga and meditation brand. Where B Yoga speaks to the contemporary wellness enthusiast, Halfmoon is rooted in tradition, making each brand a perfect complement to the other.

In fall of 2023, B Yoga and Halfmoon came together as one, under the refreshed b, halfmoon brand. This beautiful union marks a new chapter in the brand and company’s story, which she is thrilled to share with their global community.

Andrea currently resides in her hometown of Toronto, ON, with her husband, Fraser, and two daughters, Madison and Everly. As she helps B Yoga and Halfmoon grow internationally, she knows she’s fulfilling her vision of inspiring all people to live their truth.

“I live my yoga in moments with movement, nature, loved ones, and creative ideation and expression. These moments come and go—they’re rarely scheduled, but always fulfilling.” —Andrea Morris, Founder & CEO of Mindful Collective Co.


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The hug that changed the world with Denise Bebenek

Denise Bebenek is the Founder, President and driving force behind Meagan Bebenek Foundation: Creating a Circle of Hope.

A Toronto resident and graduate of the University of Western Ontario, Honours in Psychology and the University of Toronto Faculty of Education, Denise, a former schoolteacher, is a tireless advocate for families who are touched by brain tumours, and for the empowerment of all children to help one another. Meagan Bebenek Foundation promotes ground-breaking research, providing much-needed funds to Toronto’s Brain Tumour Research Centre (BTRC), fostering a culture of discovery and care that is improving the care, quality of life, and survival rates for young brain tumour patients.

The spirit of Meagan Bebenek Foundation is a combination of Denise’s personal experiences and mission, as well as her professional background.

In late 2000, Denise’s youngest child, Meagan, was diagnosed with an inoperable and malignant brain tumour. She died six months later, in June 2001, two weeks past her fifth birthday. As Denise left the hospital, she envisioned a hug encompassing the building, which inspired her to organize a five-kilometre walk and “hug” event.

Asking friends and family to help, Denise started planning for the first Meagan’s Walk event which took place on Mother’s Day 2002. The annual event, now known as Meagan’s HUG, culminates with participants joining hands and forming a human hug, a “circle of hope” around the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, sending a clear and simple message to all within – you are not alone.

Denise turned the tragic loss of her youngest daughter into a journey of hope and inspiration. With a deep-rooted belief that when we come together as a community we can make a collective difference, Denise has successfully harnessed that power for over two decades with a team of over 60 volunteers who work year-round to further the organization’s mission.

Today, Meagan Bebenek Foundation has grown into a thriving organization with multiple events, corporate sponsors, a robust school program, ‘Kids Helping Kids’ and an annual Crane Ceremony in which students present hand-made origami cranes to MBF Heroes. The foundation has raised more than $6 million dollars in support of paediatric brain tumour research, which includes funding for seed grants, purchasing cutting-edge equipment, funding for the Toronto Brain Tumour Network tissue bank and a Neuro-oncology fellowship program. This Fellowship is available to eligible candidates around the world and offers them the opportunity to further their clinical and research training in sub-specialties of paediatric oncology.


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